Awaken: Dying Light

A World Unveiled

It was the first time Jayden had ever stepped foot into that room, and he was filled with eager excitement. Tens of neatly arranged shelves lined the walls, each one fully packed with a diverse collection of books and he couldn't wait to delve into everything that room had to offer.

Due to his precarious situation in his previous life, Jayden had been unable to engage in activities that required physical movement. Instead, he spent nearly all of his time reading. He devoured all kinds of books, from fantastical novels to more scientific works, and so being surrounded by books was like being in his own personal heaven.

"Ahem!" A soft, melodious voice chimed in, trying to catch his attention as he sat lost in his own world. "Hey there, little man," it continued with a hint of amusement. "Did you miss me?"

Jayden jolted out of his thoughts and turned to see a small, quaint table positioned by the window, adorned with a few books and two mismatched chairs. Seated in one of them was Elora, his protector and now, his new teacher. Her cascading blonde hair seemed to catch the afternoon light, framing her piercing blue eyes and a warm, inviting smile graced her face, instantly putting Jayden at ease.

Elora had been fortunate. Though poisoned, her high-level stats and abilities pushed her back from the brink of death. The poison that was intended to take her life was no match for her extraordinary powers and coupled with Elio's timely intervention, she was able to recover from the deadly attack. Yet, the incident lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over her confidence.

Looking at Jayden across the table, an ache of guilt crossed her features. Chosen directly from Ruele's family, she had been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding and being there at any step and ready to give up her life for Ruele. There was a lot of back and forth between the Pentagon and Knight families due to the known restrictions Elio's family had for outsiders.

When the situation changed, and the twins were born, her new mission was to protect Jayden. But she had failed and at that time, Elora's expression betrayed the depth of her remorse.

"Young master," she began, her voice low and filled with regret, "It was my fault. I was careless. And if you want someone else-"

Just as she was about to offer to step down, Jayden surprised her and with quick steps, his tiny body propelled him across the room. In a flash, he was nestled comfortably in Elora's lap, a tight hug enveloping her.

"Don't be silly," Jayden mumbled into her shirt. "I was scared… I thought you were gone. There's no one better at teaching, safeguarding, and being a better company for me than you. You are my first friend after all" He pulled back slightly, looking up at her with a warm smile. "Now let's start our lesson, okay?"

Elora's heart swelled looking at Jayden's deep purple eyes fixed on her. "Thank you, Jayden," she whispered, vowing to herself that she wouldn't let him down again.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened and gestured towards the empty chair. "Right then, let's begin. Tell me what you know about the world we live in. Don't worry about order, just anything that comes to mind. It will help me figure out where to start with your lessons."

Jayden frowned and crossed his arms in mock seriousness. "Yeah, about that… I don't know anything! I wonder why? Oh, yes, now I remember. It's because of you and mom, that's why," he retorted.

A light smack landed on the back of his head as Elora chuckled and opening a thick book, she shifted closer and began with a gentle smile.

"Alright, alright, let's put aside your complaints, and let's start with the most basic concepts. Today, we'll learn about the geography and landscape of our world, Rion. How many continents are there, who holds the power, and a few other interesting tidbits." She paused, her gaze twinkling. "Pay attention, and you can ask me questions at the end."

"Yes, yes. Just go ahead and start already, I've waited too long for this to happen," Jayden couldn't handle his impatience anymore as he ushered Elora to begin

Elora chuckled once more, her heart brimming with enthusiasm for her role as Jayden's teacher. "Okay, little scholar, make yourself comfortable. There's a lot to discover," she said, settling back in her chair and opening the book to reveal a map adorned with intricate details.

"Rion, a planet etched by fate, stretches beneath a vast and diverse sky. Seven continents, each a vibrant tapestry woven from distinct landscapes and cultures, have long been governed by seven powerful families.

Undeterred, the inhabitants of the seven continents are united under a single empire, known collectively as The Bastion. It was a necessary unification that took place hundreds of years ago to stand against invaders. Since then, a simmering tension hangs in the air, a constant reminder of the delicate balance of power on Rion." Elora paused, allowing Jayden to absorb the information.

His brow furrowed in concentration, his gaze flitting between the map and her face. "So, it's like seven continents, one empire, but on a giant planet?" he finally asked.

Elora smiled warmly. "Yes and no! There is much more to that but in short, you're not wrong. Each continent boasts unique characteristics that have shaped the lives of its inhabitants for generations." She pointed a finger towards a section of the map where majestic mountains pierced through swirling clouds.

"Eldoria, veiled in an ethereal mist that dances with the morning sun, holds the secrets of forgotten ages. Towering mountains pierce the swirling fog, their peaks shrouded in ancient legends. Lush forests teeming with life hug the base of these majestic giants, while hidden amongst the verdant tapestry lie enigmatic ruins whispering forgotten stories.

The capital city, Eldor, a marvel of engineering, floats amidst the mist on a network of interconnected platforms and bridges, and the Devlin Family, shrouded in an aura of mystery themselves, guides the people of Eldoria with their wisdom echoing through the ages."

Elora continued, her voice taking on a lyrical quality as she described each continent. "Caelumnia, a celestial spectacle of floating islands adorned with cascading waterfalls and vibrant ecosystems. Lush flora and exotic fauna paint the islands in a kaleidoscope of colors, while majestic Sky Whales, colossal creatures resembling whales with wings, soar through the azure expanse. The Knight Family govern these ethereal lands, ensuring the safety and prosperity of their sky-bound people."

"Solstaria, a land bathed in relentless sunshine, where golden deserts stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with imposing pyramids and bustling cities that shimmered like mirages in the heat. The unforgiving environment has forged a people of unwavering resilience with the Drake Family leading them with the wisdom of the sun itself. Their mastery of solar magic allows them to harness the sun's power, imbuing their grand structures with an ethereal glow and empowering their warriors with formidable sun-forged weapons."